Holiday In Helsinki

chez dominique & alcatraz

Sweating in the sauna will definitely work up an appetite. When dusk falls, treat yourself to a luxurious dinner at Chez Dominique (Ludviginkatu 3), one of only two Michelin-starred restaurants in the whole of Finland.

Chez Dominique is perhaps the most visually appealing restaurant in Helsinki, and it attracts a clientele to match. Although pricier than other restaurants in the city (average main courses here range from $41 to $53), the entrees — juicy lamb medallions, delicate lobster tortellini and smoked tuna with apple gratin among them — are well worth the price. Furthermore, the staff is helpful, friendly and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to pairing food with wine. It's smart to reserve a table before you arrive, as this restaurant's popularity keeps it booked nearly every night.

If the image of naked Finnish men is still lingering in your head from the sauna, you may want to try shaking it with a visit to one of Helsinki's gentlemen's clubs.

At Club Alcatraz, a high-class strip joint in the center of town, you can enjoy cigars and booze in a cozy, tasteful environment while watching a variety of different stripteases performed by incredibly hot Finnish women. The strip joint is open until 4 a.m., seven nights a week.

Day 3: The Koneisto Festival

Start your third and final morning at Strindberg Caf, a cool street-level eatery near Esplanadi Park. where, you can enjoy sandwiches, pastries and coffee at decent prices ($5 to $13) alongside the city's students and young professionals.

Today's itinerary? You may have seen the sights, wined, dined, and partied in the city's most fashionable clubs, but you still haven't experienced Helsinki in the summer until you attend one of the city's many music festivals.

One of the city's coolest international festivals is the Koneisto Festival of electronic music, which normally takes place in mid-August. Tickets are around $35 per day for the event, which attracts a hip, young crowd. In addition to local and international artists, Koneisto also showcases theater, video art and other performances.

Since this last day in Helsinki is likely to start mid-afternoon and end late (the music festival goes until the wee hours of the morning), chances are you'll be beat by the time you return to your room. If you need a nightcap, there's always the minibar... one last shot of Finnish vodka never hurt anyone.

halcyon helsinki

Helsinki is a destination not yet spoiled by tourists, unlike many other capital cities in Europe. It's natural beauty, uniquely designed architecture and busy nightlife make Helsinki a prime destination for men who want to experience something new and different.

So, if you like tall blondes, vodka and trendy bars, try Helsinki!

tips for the trip

Pack warm clothes. Even if you're visiting Helsinki in the summertime, the weather can be very unpredictable.

Tipping is not mandatory and failing to do so will not affect the service you receive upon a return visit. In most cases, leaving small change on the table is enough.

Many bars require that you are at least 24 years old to enter. Some clubs, especially strip bars, require a minimum age of 27. Before you go out, call and check to see what the age limit is so you don't get rejected at the door.